London: Writer's block may soon be a thing of the past, as scientists are developing a smartphone app that aims to measure and boost the mind's creative ability.

Scientists aim to uncover the mysteries of the human imagination by using psychometric tests to measure individuals' Imagination Quotients - or ImQs - and strengthen them through daily exercises.

"We will develop new psychometric tests to assess imagination, and then validate them in several studies," said Sophie von Stumm, from Goldsmiths, University of London, who is heading the two-year project.

"Most importantly, however, we will find ways to improve imagination that everybody can use. We will develop an iPhone application that will be freely available with exercises and tips for enhancing imagination," von Stumm was quoted as saying by 'The Times'.

The Goldsmiths researchers will work with a team at King's College London to assess 400 people, a combination of 200 students from Goldsmiths, UCL and King's College, and 200 people in the retail sector.

They will also look at how imagination is related to intelligence and personality and the way it affects behaviour, the acquisition of knowledge and academic achievement.